Out of Bounds
We're calling for Black athletes, families, alumni, and fans to withhold athletic and financial support from public universities in southern states attacking Black voting rights.
No Representation. No Recruitment.
No Revenue.
Across the South, Black athletes have helped build some of the most profitable college athletic programs in America, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue. At the same time, several southern state governments are moving to limit, reduce, weaken, or erase Black voting representation by creating new, unconstitutional voting districts.
You can't have one without the other. Profiting off of Black athletes while suppressing their vote is out of bounds.
Take the Pledge
Athletes
I will not allow my talent, labor, name, image, likeness, family, or community pride to be used to enrich institutions in states that are working to silence Black voters...
Alumni and Fans
I pledge to advocate with my dollars and withhold economic support from the teams at my favorite university until fair maps are restored...
Black Athletes Drive College Sports
Universities can't actively recruit Black athletes without also advocating for their civil rights. We're calling on Black athletes, families, alumni, and fans to withhold athletic and financial support from public universities in southern states attacking Black voting rights until these states:
- Adopt state Voting Rights Act.
- Withdraw or repeal maps that dilute Black voting power.
- Restore congressional and/or judicial districts that reflect the state's Black population and voting strength.
- Commit to transparent, community-centered redistricting processes.
- Protect districts where Black voters have the opportunity to elect candidates of choice.
- Stop using state power to weaken Black representation while public institutions profit from Black talent.
The Schools
Athletics at these flagship universities each bring in at least $100 million annually from national television deals, alumni donations, merchandise sales, and ticket sales — much of it powered by Black football and basketball talent in states where their right to vote is in crisis. See your prospective school or alma mater on this list? Encourage them to publicly oppose racial vote dilution and affirm that Black athletes' civic power matters beyond their athletic performance. And as you consider where to invest your talent, time, or financial support, remember that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to serve as vital spaces for Black talent, education, culture, and leadership. Keep HBCUs and other institutions at the top of your list.
The Syllabus: Fighting Voter Suppression
The College Athletics Toolkit
We need alumni, fans, and allies to advocate for fair maps through action. Use this toolkit to sign on to our demands, get involved, and amplify your advocacy in your community.
Redistricting 101
Across the country, redistricting efforts are being designed to erase the influence of Black communities, silence our vote, and reverse decades of hard-won progress.
Redistricting, Power, and Our Vote
Explore the population and power shifts underway in states like Texas, California, and Virginia.